Idaho Bans New Synthetic Drug Connected to 2 Deaths in State

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho has become the latest state to ban a new synthetic drug that can be purchased online and is connected to at least two deaths in the state.

The Idaho Statesman reports that the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy issued the temporary emergency ban on U-47700 earlier this month. The Idaho Legislature will be asked to make illegal permanently when they convene in January. Nearly eight times more potent than morphine, U-47700 comes in various forms and can be injected, snorted or taken orally.

Synthetic drugs are comprised of man-made chemicals and produced in a laboratory. At least three other states — Ohio, Wyoming and Georgia — already have taken action to ban U-47700 after it was connected to overdoses. The drug is connected to 50 deaths nationwide.